I can’t wait!!!!

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You know, the phrase “I can’t wait” is normally used when something good or exciting is about to happen. The get-together, the date, the long-anticipated vacation–we tack that phrase in anticipation of the goodness coming our way. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Well, mostly nothing wrong with it.

Let me give you an example. Let’s say you are expecting something wonderful–like a a 7-day cruise taking off in July. Even though we’re in the month of March (at the time this was published), and you “can’t wait”, you rest assured about the trip because you know exactly when it’s coming, right? That kind of wait is exciting and not too hard.

On the other hand, there are times where we have asked God for something in faith believing that He is indeed able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Thus we leave the prayer room CONFIDENT that God heard us and will answer right away. The thing is, sometimes God has a way of having us to wait awhile before He answers us. So in between “He may not come when you want Him”, but “He’ll be there right on time”, is where the anticipatory “I can’t wait!” can turn into a frustrated Sigh!”I CAN’T wait!”

So now, in the meantime and in-between time, the enemy will bait you with a “random” thought around how LONG you have been waiting. If we entertain that thought for any amount of time, he will throw in more bait in the hopes of tackling you. Here are some examples:

You really deserve_______________.

You have been patient long enough.

God must not want you to have it. You’ve been so good. That’s not fair.

God must not love you like He loves_________. Why should you keep waiting on Him?

Look at __________. They do not serve God like YOU do and they are blessed.

Why would God make you wait this long? He knows you need______________________.

If you do not act soon, you’ll miss out. Far too much time has passed already.

By this time, you’re all worked up in your mind and agitated in your spirit. Then the enemy sets up the “perfect situation” where your request suddenly is in front of you–all you have to do to get it is just disobey God, “a little”. Tell the lie, take the money, treat this one without love, cheat on the spouse–after all, you’ve prayed, been patient, things are not changing and it has been a long time. Once you take the bait, you may enjoy the spoils initially, but eventually you will discover that what you WENT outside of the will of God for, you have to STAY outside of His will to keep. Think about it, the enemy baits for keeps–that thief comes to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10), so why risk your blessings here and, if your are not careful, your eternal life with Christ?

From firsthand experience, it can be very difficult to wait on God. Sometimes it feel like everyone else gets to go ahead, or that God does not hear you or care about you. Let’s counter those thoughts with the assuring, soothing and always true Word of God.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord (Psalm 27:14).

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him (Psalm 62:5).

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord (Lamentations 3:26).

But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it (Romans 8:25).

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

BCU Fam, when God has us waiting, it is for a reason–perhaps to develop the fruit of long-suffering, to help you when dealing with others, build your hope on Jesus, or so that God will get the ALL the glory out of the situation because of the miracle He’s performing on your behalf. Regardless of the reason, when it’s all done and said, we will be MORE like Jesus. And being like Him NOW, ensures our place in Heaven LATER, so with the help of the Lord, I CAN and will wait! Amen? Amen!

You know, from time to time, The Lord reminds me to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, are of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. If I stay focused on the all of those things, I’m less inclined to get/stay frustrated while waiting. What about you? How do you keep from being discouraged while waiting? Please head down to the comment section so we can continue our conversation!